Congregation Beth Ha’Ari occasionally holds Shabbat and holiday services as well as lifecycle celebrations as interest requires, but it is primarily focused on Torah study. Rabbi Zeitlin usually offers classes at his studio/beit midrash and also often teaches at other local synagogues. Many classes are also offered over the Internet, Skype, telephone or conference calls — the power of Torah flows through all possible media.
Beth Ha’Ari is hard to classify. Its background orientation, as well as Rabbi Zeitlin’s smicha and personal observance, is Orthodox, although women’s participation, both in tefillah and study, is welcomed and encouraged. Just as every day is different and every person is unique, the services and classes aren’t easily predictable or classifiable, but are flexible, with the goal of building a deep spiritual experience.
The liturgy is traditional, but given the day’s participants it might be shortened or translated into English. Rather than trying to innovate new rituals and liturgy, that day’s daveners let themselves experience how today’s processes developed over time by our great spiritual masters.
If this approach to services appeals to you, please contact Rabbi Zeitlin, or RabZ, as he is known. With sufficient interest, he will offer either occasional or regular services.
Torah study with Rabbi Zeitlin is also free-form, flexible and responsive. Classes, both private and group, combine traditional sources from the Tanach, the Talmud, Kabbalah and Chassidic classics, halachah, and contemporary Jewish thought, as well as current life and events. He combines traditional Orthodox background and observance with the open-minded approach of Renewal (he served two terms as vice-president of Ohalah, the Renewal Rabbis’ Organization). Limiting the scope of Torah limits the Creator Himself to an individual imaginations and/or fears. Rather, Torah encompasses the totality of all experience.
It’s been said, however, that a taste for avant-garde jazz and stand-up comedy are helpful, and an open mind (The Kotzker Rebbe said that God is found wherever we let him in) is required to enjoy Rabbi Zeitlin’s classes.
Most classes and all services are open to everyone, regardless of previous experience, knowledge or background. Please email or call for current information and schedules.
It’s been said, however, that a taste for avant-garde jazz and stand-up comedy are helpful, and an open mind (The Kotzker Rebbe said that God is found wherever we let him in) is required to enjoy Rabbi Zeitlin’s classes.
Most classes and all services are open to everyone, regardless of previous experience, knowledge or background. Please e-mail or call for current information and schedules.